Streamlining Probate Administration

When there is no will, the probate process requires the appointment of a skilled administrator. The administrator does not have to be a lawyer, but should be someone deeply familiar with the law and the probate process.

Most
estates are finalized within six months of the appointment of an administrator. Where family, creditor, tax or other issues or disputes exist, administration may take more time to be resolved.

Administering An Estate

A court-appointed executor or administrator is responsible for the legal tasks involved in the probate process. These include:

Maintaining the value and security of the assets of the estate

Managing revenue and expenses of the estate

Determining the names, ages and addresses of all heirs and, when there is a will, beneficiaries

Evaluating claims against the estate

Paying federal, state and local estate and income taxes levied on the estate and in respect of the decedent

Implementing orders of, and accounting to, the probate court

Distributing assets

Guiding Clients Through Probate

Koehler Fitzgerald LLC has deep experience in the process of probate and estate administration under the Ohio code. This experience allows us to function calmly, fairly and effectively even when there are significant disagreements within families and other beneficiaries. This experience is an important credential in the probate litigation cases we accept.

We also oversee trust administration, guardianships and conservatorships.